Dental Implants
A gap left by a missing tooth rarely stays the same size problem for long, neighbouring teeth tend to drift toward it, and the bone underneath can gradually shrink without a tooth root there to stimulate it. Launceston Dentistry provides dental implants for patients looking for a fixed, long-term replacement rather than a removable one.
A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once the bone has healed and fused around the post, generally over a few months, a custom crown is attached on top, completing the restoration. Your dentist assesses your bone density and overall oral health before discussing whether an implant, or an alternative like a bridge or denture, may be more appropriate for your situation.
A gap that's been left unaddressed for a while, or an existing denture or bridge that no longer feels like the right fit, are both good reasons to find out whether an implant may be suitable for you.
Implants are generally considered a longer-term option, and they may offer a few particular advantages.
A Fixed Solution, Not a Removable One
Support for Surrounding Bone
Natural Look and Feel
No Impact on Neighbouring Teeth
Results vary between individuals, and treatment suitability depends on your specific circumstances, which your dentist can discuss with you at consultation.
An assessment of your bone health and overall circumstances is the clearest way to understand whether an implant may be appropriate for you.
Getting an implant right depends on proper assessment and planning at every stage, not just the surgical placement itself.
An implant isn't offered here as a default option, only once your dentist has confirmed it's genuinely suitable for your bone health and situation. You'll be given a realistic picture of the process, timeline, and cost before you decide on anything.
A few of the questions patients often ask about dental implants.
This depends largely on having enough healthy bone to support the implant, along with generally good oral health. Your dentist will assess your bone density, often using imaging, and discuss whether bone grafting might be needed first if there isn't quite enough structure to work with.
The surgical placement is generally carried out under local anaesthetic, with sedation available for patients who'd prefer it, so discomfort during the procedure itself is usually minimal. Some soreness and swelling for a few days afterward is common and generally manageable with pain relief.
This varies depending on your individual healing and whether any preparatory work like bone grafting is needed, but the process often spans three to six months from placement to the final crown. Your dentist can give a more specific timeline once your suitability has been assessed.
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implants are often designed to last many years, frequently a decade or longer. The crown attached on top may eventually need replacement due to normal wear, even if the implant itself remains stable.
Bone grafting can sometimes build up the area enough to support an implant later, though this adds time to the overall process. Alternatively, your dentist may suggest a bridge or denture if grafting isn't suitable or preferred for your situation.
The information above is general in nature and isn't a substitute for personalised advice. Treatment suitability depends on individual circumstances, so please speak with your dentist about what may be appropriate for you.
If you're missing a tooth and considering a fixed, long-term replacement, our team is here to help. Get in touch and we'll assess your bone health and overall suitability, talk through realistic timeframes and costs, and answer any questions before you decide on anything.